October 2026 Newsletter

What's Included in This Month's Newsletter

President’s Message

Thriving in the Grove: Reflecting on an Extraordinary AHTA Conference

Some conferences leave us with new knowledge. Others leave us with meaningful connections and fresh perspectives. This conference went even deeper. It engaged our senses, sparked creativity, strengthened our community, and reconnected us with the important purpose behind our work. Our 2026 AHTA Annual Conference, Thriving in the Grove—Building Resilience through Horticultural Therapy, brought these elements together against the remarkable backdrop of San Francisco’s gardens and living landscapes. 

This conference was intentionally designed to be different. Building on our tradition of high-quality educational presentations, we listened to members’ desire for deeper networking and experiential learning. We made the environments themselves integral to the experience, highlighting the relationships among people, plants, and place at the heart of our profession.  

From the extraordinary San Francisco Botanical Garden to the historic Gardens of Alcatraz and towering redwoods of the National AIDS Memorial Grove, these distinctive landscapes invited discovery, reflection, and renewed appreciation for our work.

Our keynote speaker, Jennifer Jewell, delivered an impactful address exploring relationships among plants, people, culture, and place. Her continued participation and meaningful connections with attendees throughout the entire conference extended her message beyond the keynote.

AHTA’s immersive signature experiences added yet another dimension. Plants & Paws modeled collaboration across therapeutic disciplines through heartwarming interactions with therapy dogs amid fragrant, tactile, and visually intriguing plants. The experience invited smiles, sensory discovery, and shared connection.

Pioneers & Pathways celebrated the individuals and achievements that shaped horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture. Through personal reflections, a decade-by-decade timeline, and opportunities for professional connection, attendees explored the profession’s history and evolving future. The experience also highlighted a historic milestone – the launch of board certification – reflecting years of dedication to advancing professional standards and recognition. 

The Resilience Lab offered a welcoming space for reflection, creativity, and meaningful connection. Through interactive experiences centered on seeds as symbols of resilience, conference attendees explored how growth, adaptability, and renewal can emerge even in challenging conditions. 

The conference concluded with a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Clare Cooper Marcus in the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Surrounded by the living landscape she helped shape, AHTA honored her extraordinary contributions to the profession and to the understanding of the healing potential of thoughtfully designed green spaces.

Throughout the conference, I was reminded of a theme I have shared this year: the light we carry forward. Generations of trailblazers, educators, practitioners, and advocates have shaped our profession through vision, persistence, and dedication. Their work established the foundation on which we continue to build. As we return to our communities and professional settings, I hope we sustain the relationships formed, embrace fresh perspectives, and channel this energy into new opportunities for our field.

To our members, thank you for sharing your perspectives and helping shape a conference reflecting your professional interests and needs. Your voices will continue to guide our future conferences and initiatives as we strengthen the opportunities, resources, and professional community that support your work.

As this will be my final President’s Message, I want to express what an extraordinary honor it has been to serve this community of compassionate and highly skilled professionals. Your dedication to this work and one another has been a constant inspiration. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many of you in advancing our shared mission.



The energy of this conference does not end in San Francisco. It carries forward through each of us—in the connections we sustain, the opportunities we create, and the future we build together.

With Gratitude, 

Kelly Warnick, HTR, JD

Outgoing President, American Horticultural Therapy Association

San Francisco in Full Bloom: AHTA 2026

Standing ovations, tears of inspiration, therapy dogs spreading comfort and joy, and attendees emerging from an immersive sensory experience exclaiming, “That was amazing!” AHTA’s record-setting annual conference, Thriving in the Grove, was filled with unforgettable moments. Over several extraordinary days in San Francisco, our horticultural therapy community came together to learn, connect, celebrate, and experience the healing power of plants.

Highlights included Jennifer Jewell’s powerful keynote, “The Healing Inherent in Cultivating Place: The Power of Keystone Gardeners,” which brought the audience to its feet, and an emotional premiere screening of her upcoming PBS series, Cultivating Place: The Power of Gardeners. The hugely popular Plants & Paws sensory exhibit offered a memorable, hands-on experience of connection and calm. Lana Dreyfuss introduced the new HT-BC credential, marking an important milestone for our profession. And more than 100 attendees stayed through the final day to explore the remarkable Alcatraz Gardens, where Shelagh Fritz and her docents wove together the island’s fascinating plant life, history, and human stories.

From inspiring presentations and immersive workshops to meaningful conversations, therapy dog encounters, and new friendships, Thriving in the Grove celebrated both how far our profession has come and the possibilities ahead. A heartfelt thank-you to every attendee, presenter, volunteer, sponsor, and partner who made this conference truly one of a kind. The connections we cultivated and the seeds of inspiration we planted will continue to grow long after our time together in the Grove!

2027 Conference

Fall Virtual Book Club

We’re finishing our members virtual book club this year with a strong selection. We will discuss Douglas Tallamy’s book, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard. Tallamy is a well-known conservationist, speaker, entomologist, and professor at the University of Delaware. His research, including a fascinating study showing that nationally, oaks host 950 caterpillar species, highlights the importance of native plants and wildlife. In his 2025 book, “How Can I Help?” he explains some important conservation concepts and gives simple steps we can all take to boost the diversity of wildlife in our yards.  

We will also give away a copy of this book to one lucky book club registrant. The book club zoom call will be on Thursday, November 12 at 7 pm EST. The free book winner will be selected on November 5 and the book will be mailed to their residence. So don’t wait to sign up!

AHTA Research Corner

Research is the foundation for advancing the profession of horticultural therapy. It provides the evidence needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy interventions, strengthen professional credibility, and support informed clinical practice. As the field continues to grow, research guides best practices, informs education and credentialing standards, and expands opportunities for recognition among healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and the public. AHTA is committed to promoting research that advances the science and practice of horticultural therapy, ensuring the profession continues to evolve with integrity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Check out this featured article

 “Outdoor therapies delivered by mental health professionals: 

A scoping review of clinical trials”.

Outdoor therapy is a rapidly expanding practice but remains outside mainstream psychotherapy. It is unclear which clinical trials have been conducted, with which populations, and their methodological quality. This review aimed to identify published trials of outdoor therapy delivered by licensed therapists and summarize intervention modalities, characteristics, facilitator qualifications, targeted populations, and mental health presentations. 

Did you know?

You can see the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture on the AHTA website? https://www.ahta.org/journal-of-therapeutic-horticulture-2024-34-1 

You can access the copies of the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture and Horticultural Therapy Research by going to Google Scholar which has Open Access? https://scholar.google.com/  



When considering publishing in the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture consider that as members of AHTA there is no charge for the Article Processing Charge (APC) while nonmembers pay $300. Another  great member benefit along with the fact that members get an exclusive 30-day first look at every journal. Hoping to see more submissions that will go out to all!

Tongyu and Binxia (researchers and HTRs) have successfully organized a special issue on healthy environment and healing landscape in Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS)

Two HTRs from AHTA, Binxia Xue and Tongyu Li, Research Fellows from School of Architecture and Design, Harbin Institute of Technology, China, were invited as the academic hosts to organize a special issue titled "Healthy Environment and Healing Landscape" on Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS). In this special issue, Binxia and Tongyu have invited renowned scholars in the world to contribute their latest original research findings on restorative environment at university campuses and health-inducing spaces for children, as well as on the effects of therapeutic horticulture on college students, with a focus on the hot topics such as the planning, design, and comprehensive evaluation of spatial carriers for the nature-based intervention modalities of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, etc., and received extensive attention and warm responses from the academic circles and the public. Horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, as a kind of low-cost, efficient, and easily implementable and sustainable non pharmacological treatment technology that accompanies public life, are increasingly recognized and welcomed by governments, institutions, scholars, and various groups of society around the world, for their prominent health service value in improving physical fitness and motor flexibility and coordination, assisting in the treatment of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and increasing social connections. With the challenges of public health and changes in lifestyle, this nature based approach to health promotion is showing promising development prospects. Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS), is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on all innovative theories, policies, and engineering techniques related to landscape and environmental planning, design, construction, and management, which can bring about sustainable natural and human processes, serving as a platform for global researchers, designers, and practitioners in landscape architecture and related disciplines to communicate and share. Launched by Beijing Forestry University in 2025, LAS has been published quarterly on the ScienceDirect platform of Elsevier with a rapid growth.

The website of the journal and the link of the papers are as follows,

Webinar Work Team- Looking for Speakers

The webinar work team is looking for speakers for 2026. Please let Holly Harrison or Danielle Stojan know if you have any suggestions, recommendations or would like to teach one. The work team for 2026 includes, Mike Maddox with Danielle Stojan and Holly Harrison as co-leads. The webinar work team planning meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6pm Central Time. For 2026 webinars, we are tentatively planning on November 24.

Join an AHTA Work Team and Help Shape 

The Future of Horticultural Therapy!

Be part of the movement that continues to advance and strengthen the profession of horticultural therapy. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) invites members to share their passion, expertise, and ideas by joining an AHTA work team.

Your voice matters. By participating in a work team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives, support AHTA’s strategic priorities, connect with fellow professionals, and expand your own leadership and professional development opportunities.

Your experience matters. Your perspective matters. Your involvement helps ensure that AHTA continues to grow as a strong, innovative, and unified professional organization.

Together, we can continue building a strong, innovative, and thriving future for horticultural therapy.

Join a work team today and make an impact!

Join the Magazine Work Team!

This work team is always looking for people who would like to write articles, edit pieces, or brainstorm ideas with the rest of the team.

Join the Marketing Work Team!

The Marketing Work Team expands the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the Association through outreach, advertising, networking, and developing fundraising endeavors.

Join the Membership Work Team!

The Membership Work Team is responsible for all aspects of the AHTA membership and for developing ideas and events to increase membership in the Association.

Join the Webinar Work Team!

The webinar work team is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of webinars related to horticultural therapy. 

Check out all work teams at https://www.ahta.org/ahta-work-teams/review-boards 

Please contact AHTA at info@ahta.org with your desired commitment!

Spread the Word: Share Your HT Events with AHTA



Have an upcoming horticultural therapy event? We’d love to help you spread the word! The new AHTA events website is a great way to share your workshops, trainings, and gatherings with like-minded people who care about plants and people. Send your event details and promotional photos to info@ahta.org and help grow awareness, connection, and participation across the HT community.

 🌿 Countdown to the HT–BC Certification Exam

Cultivating the future of horticultural therapy — together

 The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) announced the launch of its first professional credentialing exam, for the Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC). The first exam window is October 31 through November 14, 2026. .

The Horticultural Therapist- Board Certified (HT-BC) credential will set the gold standard for excellence in horticultural therapy. Developed in partnership with psychometric experts and grounded in comprehensive Job Task Analysis, this certification validates real-world competence and elevates professional credibility across the field.

THANK YOU to all who made this happen! The Job Task Analysis participants, the Steering Committee, the AHTA Credentialing Work Team, the Item Writers and Lead Reviewers, the Form Review Committee, Revolution AMC, and Professional Testing Corporation all worked in collaboration to make this historical event for AHTA and the profession of horticultural therapy be actualized.

Here are some important updates!

• Applications for the HT-BC for the first exam window of October 31 through November 14, 2026, closed September 1st.
• Thank you to all who applied for this inaugural examination! You are adding to this historical moment for AHTA! Your best test preparation will be based on your years of experience in horticultural therapy and/or completing the HT coursework from one of our accredited programs. Review the Candidate Handbook, check out the blueprint of the exam based on the knowledge areas, review the 10 sample questions and the list of references! Reduce test anxiety by reflecting on all you have done for the profession of horticultural therapy. You got this! Success for HT-BC is yours!
• Please review the Exam Candidate Handbook on our website. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified
• The next exam window will be June 12-26, 2027, with a deadline of applying of March 12, 2027!
• For future candidates, now is the time to begin to prepare! Find out the eligibility requirements, Read the Candidate Handbook, Set goals of completing the requirements!
• “Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” recording of webinar is now available on the AHTA website home page www.ahta.org !Or click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF7l8bQdE-g
• The “Community Meeting on Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” recording is here https://youtu.be/79NnNsLMJ3w
• Did you know that the HT-BC examination can be taken internationally? Awesome news!

🍃 What is the AHTA Certification?

The AHTA Certification is a formal recognition that an individual has met established professional standards in horticultural therapy. It assures employers, clients, and the public that certified professionals possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to practice effectively and ethically.

The certification process includes: - Defined education requirements - Verified professional experience - Successful completion of a comprehensive examination

Certification vs Certificate - A certificate is awarded upon completion of an educational program (e.g., AHTA-accredited horticultural therapy courses) - Certification is a formal, third-party evaluation process that includes eligibility requirements, testing, and ethical standards.
✅ A certificate does not equate to professional certification

🌱 Exam Content: Core Domains

The HT–BC examination is based on six key professional domains identified through the large-scale 2022 Job Task Analysis:

1. Horticulture
2. Treatment Planning
3. Program Planning & Activity Design
4. Managing Human Resources
5. Business Practices, Safety & Ethics
6. Professionalism & Scholarship

These domains reflect the essential knowledge areas for effective horticultural therapy practice. Please see the Exam candidate handbook for more specifics on the knowledge areas. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

🌼 Who is this Certification For?

The Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) is for:

• Professionals ready to elevate their credibility and be formally recognized as credentialed horticultural therapists—raising the bar for the entire profession.
• HTRs, HTMs, and allied professionals with licensure or certification in Human Sciences or Horticulture who want to align with the emerging gold standard.
• Practitioners committed to excellence, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver high-quality, research-based therapeutic interventions.

🌳 Why Certification Matters

Certification supports both individual professionals and the field as a whole:

• Professional Credibility – Verifies expertise and ethical practice
• Standardized Practice – Aligns professionals with best-practice guidelines
• Demonstrated Competence – Combines education, skill development, and experience
• Stronger Recognition – Builds public awareness and professional identity
• Ongoing Growth – Requires continued learning and engagement

Together, certification strengthens the roots of horticultural therapy for future generations.

🌷 Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the HTR designation? 

Current HTRs and HTMs may continue using their designations. The HT–BC credential is required for new applicants. 

Will this affect the THP designation? No. The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) designation will remain unchanged.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the HT–BC exam?
Eligibility will include education and experience criteria like HTR requirements, with an additional pathway for those in allied professions. These pathways align with national standards for professional certification. Specific eligibility info: https://www.ahta.org/board-certification 

Will there be study materials or prep courses for the exam? 

AHTA has a Candidate Exam Handbook with recommended resources and guidance found on https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified .The exam will be based on what qualified practitioners are expected to know through training and experience.

How long is the certification valid?
  The HT–BC is expected to be valid for five years. Renewal will include continuing education and ongoing professional activity. Check out: https://www.ahta.org/htbc-renew for more information. 

🍂 Ready to Apply?

Step One: Find out your eligibility requirements according to our 3 Pathways for eligibility! 

• Pathway 1: Already a HTM or HTR registered with AHTA?
• Pathway 2: Educational and Professional Experience
• Pathway 3: Already certified or licensed in a Horticultural or Human Science profession?

Step Two: Read over the Candidate Handbook

Step Three: Apply!

Act now! Be the first to apply and succeed in becoming HT-BC!

We at AHTA are here to help; Contact info@ahta.org for any questions or needed support!

Thank you for your interest in advancing the profession of horticultural therapy!

 We encourage all to regularly visit the AHTA website for updates. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

Thank you for being a vital part of the growing field of horticultural therapy.

Outreach & Strategic Partnerships

Bringing Partnerships to Life at the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference!

The 2026 AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco demonstrated the power of partnerships in creating meaningful, immersive experiences for our professional community. Through the generosity, creativity, and commitment of our sponsors, we brought together innovative programming, professional development, and opportunities for meaningful connection in exciting new ways. We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations that helped bring these experiences to life.

Ball Horticultural Company – Plants & Paws

Thank you to Ball Horticultural Company for supporting the heartwarming interactions with therapy dog teams while attendees were immersed in a profusion of plant fragrances, textures, and vibrant colors. Special appreciation to Valley Humane Society and its dedicated therapy dog teams for helping create this memorable experience celebrating the human-animal connection and the therapeutic qualities of plants.

The Olympia Collective – Pioneers & Pathways

Thank you to The Olympia Collective for helping us celebrate the generations of trailblazers, educators, practitioners, researchers, and advocates who have shaped our profession. Through historical artifacts, publications, and personal reflections, attendees explored AHTA’s rich legacy while discovering emerging opportunities in board certification, internships, and professional development.

University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Program – The Resilience Lab

Our gratitude to the University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Program for creating an engaging environment that invited attendees to explore the connections among seeds, resilience, and human well-being. Through interactive activities, reflection, and a special book signing with keynote speaker Jennifer Jewell, participants discovered new perspectives on resilience and therapeutic practice.

Horticultural Therapy Institute – Opening Reception & Moth Hour

Thank you to the Horticultural Therapy Institute for bringing our professional community together for an evening of powerful personal stories, candid humor, and incredible connection. The traditional Moth Hour celebrated the diverse experiences, shared passions, and personal journeys that unite our profession.

Riva Mental Health – Professional Portrait Studio

Our appreciation to Riva Mental Health for providing complimentary professional headshots that celebrated the individuals behind our growing profession. This experience supported professional identity, visibility, and the continued development of our members.

To all our sponsors and collaborating partners, thank you for investing in AHTA and helping make the 2026 Annual Conference such a memorable and impactful experience!

TH Activity – Pumpkin Tee Time 

 By Maureen Bethel, BEd, CAE & Lesley Fleming, HTR

Nova Scotia Horticulture for Health Network 

Excerpted from THAD Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database 2026

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Participants will create designs on pumpkins for fall or Halloween, practicing hand-eye coordination. 

THERAPEUTIC GOALS: Goals from each of the five health domains can be incorporated into this TH activity. Cognitive goals can include STEM concepts of weight, density and force combined with exploring creativity. Physical goals of developing hand-eye coordination, strengthening hand skills, developing sense of resistance and sense of strength, and practicing using dominant and non-dominant hands can be applicable to all ages and abilities. Other therapeutic goals are listed in THAD Pumpkin Tee Time.  

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS: 

1. Pre-Session Preparation: Grow &/or purchase medium-sized pumpkins. Gather all materials. Make a sample.
2. Facilitator begins session by letting participants touch pumpkins placed on tables in work/play area.
3. Facilitator demonstrates the proper use of small hammers & blocks. Stress care & asking for help from an adult when needed.
4. Use simple verbal & visual directions to demonstrate activity.
5. Participants stick adhesive holes to pumpkin (in any pattern), push or hammer golf tee into the target (the paper hole) using a small wooden block or hammer. An initial step can be added if needed; hammer golf tees into pumpkin anywhere as practice.
6. Ask participants open-ended questions throughout session. “How will the golf tee fit inside the holes? How hard do you have to hammer? What happens if you look away from the hole when putting the tee in? Which hand is easier to hammer with?
7. Conclude session by reading a pumpkin book: The Itsy-Bitsy Pumpkin or Patty’s Pumpkin Patch. Or doing action rhyme Five Little Pumpkins.

MATERIALS: Medium sized pumpkins, multi-colored golf tees, paper stickers with holes, non-toxic markers, small child-sized wooden hammers or blocks, plastic toy hammers, first aid kit, anti-slip mats, wipes.

NOTES OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: An activity for preschoolers and young children using pumpkins to develop and strengthen hand-eye coordination can be fun and therapeutic at the same time. To strengthen decision-making skills, let the children create their own design by placing the stickers on the pumpkins in any pattern or number of their choosing. They can return to this step throughout the activity. Facilitator should watch the time during the session, and at some point, suggest participants begin hammering golf tees into the targets/holes. Encouraging children to self-guide themselves can be the beginning of many skills – making decisions, time management, creative thinking, figuring out dominant vs. non-dominant hand. Guiding the child to use their dominant and non-dominant hands may be a first introduction to this. Assistance can be given by someone else holding the tee in place, with a focus on participant using the dominant hand alone. 

Risky play or free play is important to a child’s development. This activity involves use of tools that may cause injury (e.g., hitting their fingers). Chance of injury is mitigated by demonstrating how to use the tool, supervising the use of the tool by the children, and determining the appropriate tool based on the children’s age. For example, a four-year-old with poor coordination can have an adult start the process and the child use a plastic hammer to finish placing the tee. 

The Canadian Paediatric Society states: “Risky play is defined by thrilling and exciting forms of free play that involve uncertainty of outcome and a possibility of physical injury. Proponents of risky play differentiate ‘risk’ from ‘hazard’ and seek to reframe perceived risk as an opportunity for situational evaluation and personal development. This statement weighs the burden of play-related injuries alongside the evidence in favour of risky play, including its benefits, risks, and nuances, which can vary depending on a child’s developmental stage, ability, and social and medical context.” (Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention | Canadian Paediatric Society, 2024)

Maureen Bethel, Bed, CAE serves as Director of Community Outreach at the Daybreak Child and Family Centre in St. John’s NL. She brings over 35 years of experience in community capacity building and grassroots community development. She works with children and families experiencing complexities through strengths-based family resource programming and community-based support. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Horticulture for Health Network and the THAD Advisory Team.

Lesley Fleming, HTR leads the Nova Scotia and the Florida Horticulture for Health Networks. Her recent work has included leading the collaborative THAD project and FLHHN’s Resource Hub. 

AHTA HTR Database Search Option

AHTA has a Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) Directory feature on our website. This feature allows companies or the general public to search for HTRs near them. The benefits for HTRs may include employment, consultation work, presentation /information sharing opportunities, advocacy for the profession of horticultural therapy and more! Click Here for the HTR Database.

Become a Member

Not a member of AHTA? Join today! AHTA's membership is comprised of Individuals who are passionate about the unique benefits of horticultural therapy as a therapeutic modality. Members are committed to the growth of the profession. Membership in the AHTA will keep you up to date on the latest in horticultural therapy news, as well as give you access to outstanding educational and networking opportunities.               

Did you know? AHTA member benefits include free webinars and free article processing fees for the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture! Another two new reasons to join!